Green Card Applications

There are several pathways to lawful permanent residency (a Green Card), and eligibility depends on your personal circumstances, family relationships, employment, or humanitarian status. The most common path is through family-based immigration, where a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors a qualifying relative. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—often have the fastest access because visas are immediately available.

Another common path is employment-based immigration, where an employer sponsors a worker for permanent residence. These cases often involve labor certification, employer compliance, and strict eligibility rules. Processing times can vary widely depending on the employment category and visa availability.

Humanitarian pathways also exist. Individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status may apply for a Green Card after meeting certain requirements. Other humanitarian programs, such as special immigrant categories or relief for victims of crime or trafficking, may also lead to permanent residency.

Each pathway has different rules, timelines, and risks. Some applicants may qualify under more than one category, while others may need to choose between options carefully. At Trujillo Law Group, we help clients identify which Green Card pathway applies to their situation and explain the advantages and limitations of each option before moving forward.

Green Card timelines vary significantly depending on the category, visa availability, processing location, and case complexity. Immediate relative family cases are often faster because they are not subject to annual visa limits, but even these cases can take many months due to USCIS processing times, background checks, and interviews.

Family preference and employment-based cases may involve long waiting periods for visa numbers to become available. These waits can range from a few years to over a decade in some categories. The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin plays a critical role in determining when a case can proceed.

Other factors that affect timing include incomplete filings, Requests for Evidence, prior immigration history, criminal records, or changes in government policy. Even well-prepared cases can experience delays due to backlogs.

We help clients understand realistic timelines and plan accordingly, including work authorization, travel limitations, and family planning considerations during the waiting period.

In many cases, yes. Applicants who are already in the United States may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through Adjustment of Status, allowing them to complete the process without leaving the country. Eligibility depends on lawful entry, visa availability, and admissibility.

Some individuals may not qualify for Adjustment of Status and instead must complete the process through consular processing abroad. This distinction is critical because leaving the U.S. can trigger reentry bars in certain cases.

Determining whether you can apply from inside the U.S. requires a careful review of your immigration history. Trujillo Law Group helps clients assess eligibility and choose the safest path forward.

Green Card applications require extensive documentation tailored to the applicant’s category. Common documents include identity records, proof of lawful entry, civil documents such as birth or marriage certificates, and evidence supporting the qualifying relationship or employment.

Most family-based cases also require financial sponsorship documents to show the sponsor can support the immigrant. Medical examinations and background disclosures are mandatory.

Missing or incorrect documentation is one of the most common causes of delays. We help clients gather, organize, and submit evidence in a clear and complete manner.

Yes. Certain criminal convictions can make an applicant inadmissible or removable under immigration law. Even minor offenses may have serious immigration consequences depending on how they are classified.

Some criminal issues may be waivable, while others are permanent bars. Timing, disposition, and rehabilitation all matter. It is critical to address criminal history honestly and early.

We review criminal records carefully and explain how they may affect eligibility before filing.

The interview allows USCIS to verify eligibility and assess credibility. Officers review applications, ask questions about immigration history, and evaluate relationships in family-based cases.

Preparation is key. Inconsistent answers or missing documents can lead to delays or denial. We help clients understand what to expect and how to prepare.

Many applicants may apply for work authorization while their Green Card case is pending. This allows lawful employment during processing.

Eligibility depends on the type of Green Card application filed. We help clients request work permits when available and explain limitations.

In some categories, family members may be included as derivative beneficiaries. In others, separate petitions may be required.

Understanding who can be included and when is important for family planning. We explain how dependents are handled under each category.

A denial can have serious consequences depending on the applicant’s status. Some denials can be corrected, while others may lead to removal proceedings.

Understanding the reason for denial is critical before taking next steps. We help clients review denial notices and explore realistic options moving forward.